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Woman as Object
No full textThis paper discusses the creation process of thirteen works by the author addressing women's issues using mannequins of actual women as a metaphor. Robyn Beirman Jamison discusses interviewing and photographing the women, creating the works, and the imagery of objectification of women by society
Creighton University Magazine Fall 2014
No full textPERSUASION: WHY WE DO IT. WHAT IT TAKES TO DO IT WELL. AND WHY WE SHOULD CARE
From the pulpit to legislative chambers to corporate offices, the ability to convince others to follow a cause, support a certain idea or purchase a specific product is a valuable skill. How do we best use rhetoric to capture an audience, sway the undecided and convert the opposition? Creighton faculty examine the art of persuasion. Page 14.
THE PROMISE & PITFALLS OF BIG DATA / THE PROMISE AND PITFALLS OF BIG DATA
Big data has profound implications for consumers and a range of industries. While the use of large amounts of data may provide big promise, there are also pitfalls, such as the epic cyber attack at Target last year that resulted in millions of stolen credit card numbers. Creighton faculty take a look at the good and bad of big data. Page 18.
A QUESTION OF HOW WE LEARN
Education has advanced peoples and civilizations since the dawn of humankind. So how do we, as humans, best learn? And what teaching methods help us achieve that goal? Creighton faculty and staff explore how the ancient philosophers viewed education and give insight into the learning process of today’s students. Page 22.
SO YOU WANT TO BE AN AUTHOR?
There’s no secret formula to becoming a best-selling author. Creighton’s award-winning English faculty offer some common perspectives on the hurdles writers face. These faculty also teach in Creighton’s new Master of Fine Arts in creative writing program. Page 26.
STOPPING THE CYCLE OF URBAN CRIME
Dawn Irlbeck, Ph.D., and Rebecca Murray, Ph.D., of Creighton’s Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work, along with other faculty members, look at programs across the U.S. that have worked in reducing urban crime, and the need for empowerment and victim assistance. Page 30.
Giving Hope a Hand
Through the Mechanical Hand Project Group, Jorge Zuniga, Ph.D., assistant professor of exercise science, is using 3-D printing technology to research and design low-cost mechanical hands for those who need them, particularly children. For Zuniga, who grew up on the poor streets of Santiago, Chile, this scientific pursuit is personal. Page 34.23
The urban environment : agendas and problems
No full textThe United Nations estimate that by 2025 there will be around 5 billion people living in urban areas, more than the total world population 20 years ago. Currently, the developed nations are the most urbanised with, on average around three-quarters of their population living in cities, but this is changing. Increased levels of economic growth, of migration, of population expansion and, in some cases, of unprecedented industrial growth, mean that Asia and Africa will be the regions most radically affected by urban development over the next twenty years. Increasing debate on issues of urban sustainability has led to the consolidation of environmental agendas and the definition of a specific body of problems and policy issues on two levels. The first involves green agenda problems occupying the concerns of many in the developed nations such as global warming, ozone-layer depletion, loss of bio-diversity, deforestation, and the exhaustion of non-renewable resources. For the developing world, however, these global environmental problems are less immediate than the need to resolve acute problems relating to poverty and the so-called brown agenda problems of air and water pollution, inadequate waste management, the lack of basic services and green areas, declining infrastructure, and poor housing conditions, as well as issues of health, crime, violence, and social exclusion. It is now a commonly held belief that the green agenda cannot be addressed until the urgent problems of urban social deprivation and inequalities are resolved. This paper reviews the scale and character of contemporary urbanisation and the rapid growth of cities, particularly within the developing nations, and examines associated implications with respect to the physical arrangement of cities, their resource consumption and their environmental impact
Realizing the right to health through the use of health print materials in the Western Cape, South Africa
No full textIncludes bibliographical references.This qualitative study was conducted in Cape Town, South Africa in 2010. It examines the effectiveness of promotional educational pamphlets on the awareness, understandings and practice of the right to health among eight civil society organizations and their constituents
First confirmed record of Jaguarundi, Herpailurus yagouaroundi (É. Geoffroy, 1803) (Mammalia, Carnivora, Felidae), on the western slope of the Peruvian Andes
No full textThe presence of the Jaguarundi, Herpailurus yagouaroundi, west of the Peruvian Andes have not been considered in recent studies due to lack of evidence. We document its presence in the Laquipampa Wildlife Refuge, on the western slope of the Peruvian Andes, using camera traps. The closest previous record was approximately 129 km north, in a montane forest of Amazonas region on the eastern slope of the Andes. It is imperative that further research is conducted on carnivore species west of the Peruvian Andes to better understand the distribution of lesser known species such as the Jaguarundi
Noteworthy records of mammals from an isolated, threatened, and unprotected mountain range in the Huancabamba depression, northern Perú
No full textLa depresión de Huancabamba es la sección más baja de todos los Andes y tiene una importancia biogeográfica muy significativa para la biodiversidad andina del sur de Ecuador y norte de Perú. Solo algunas montañas o cordilleras en esta depresión sobrepasan los 3.000 m s.n.m. y se encuentran relativamente aisladas. Los estudios de mamíferos de la zona aún son escasos. En este artículo detallamos las especies más notables de mamíferos medianos y mayores, así como la riqueza preliminar de los taxones registradas mediante cámaras trampa (3.847 cámaras-día) y observaciones en los bosques montanos y jalcas de Tucto y Gramalote, ubicados en la cordillera Kañaris – Pagaibamba en el departamento de Cajamarca, noroeste de Perú. De las 14 especies de mamíferos registrados, dos son especies globalmente amenazadas (Tapirus pinchaque y Tremarctosornatus), una está casi amenazada (Cuniculus taczanowskii) y dos aparecen con datos deficientes (Dasypus pilosus y Sylvilagus andinus). Reportamos una ampliación de la distribución de D. pilosus, los registros documentados a mayor altitud de Dasyprocta cf. fuliginosa y Potos flavus, y una ampliación del rango altitudinal de Coendou rufescens en el país. Este último constituye, además, el primer registro de la especie en el departamento de Cajamarca. Asimismo, hemos encontrado una importante población de T. ornatus en el área, una abundancia relativa de T. pinchaque en el extremo sur de su distribución global, con registros directos más actuales. Nuestro estudio evidenció que la cordillera Kañaris - Pagaibamba constituye un singular refugio para mamíferos andinos que es urgente proteger.The Huancabamba depression is the lowest section of the entire Andes and has a very significant biogeographical importance for the Andean biodiversity of southern Ecuador and northern Peru. Only some mountains or ranges in this depression exceed 3,000 m asl and are relatively isolated. Studies of mammals in the area are still scarce. In this article we detail the most notable species of medium and large mammals, as well as the preliminary richness of the taxa recorded through camera traps (3,847 cameras-day) and observations in the montane forests and jalcas of Tucto and Gramalote, located in the Kañaris mountain range. – Pagaibamba in the department of Cajamarca, northwestern Peru. Of the 14 recorded mammal species, two are globally threatened species (Tapirus pinchaque and Tremarctosornatus ), one is nearly threatened ( Cuniculus taczanowskii ) and two appear with deficient data ( Dasypus pilosus and Sylvilagus andinus ). We report an expansion of the distribution of D. pilosus , the records documented at higher altitude of Dasyprocta cf. fuliginosa and Potos flavus , and an expansion of the altitudinal range of Coendou rufescens in the country. The latter constitutes, moreover, the first record of the species in the department of Cajamarca. Likewise, we have found an important population of T. ornatus in the area, a relative abundance of T. pinchaqueat the southern end of its global distribution, with more current direct records. Our study showed that the Kañaris - Pagaibamba mountain range constitutes a unique refuge for Andean mammals that is urgently needed to protect.
Keyword
New Zealand by numbers
No full textA collection of statistical data on population developments in New Zealand.
Introduction
At the heart of all social, political and economic debates are the people that live in our country. The policies we make are for their benefit, and their needs drive our policy developments. It is thus only fitting to begin our journey into New Zealand’s data with a look at its population.
Demographics, literally the records (Greek: graphikos) of a people (demos), is the systematic way of looking at the people inhabiting a defined area. It is a crucial undertaking in any country but particularly so for countries experiencing changes in the composition of their population.
New Zealand certainly is experiencing population changes on at least three fronts. First, the New Zealand population is growing. This is nothing new because since colonial times, population growth has been positive every year with very few exceptions, particularly at war times. This population growth has been happening because of both positive net inward migration and natural increases. It is fair to say that population growth has been New Zealand’s standard mode.
The second population development worth watching is the changing ethnic composition of New Zealand. From a population that was almost exclusively bicultural with Māori and Pākehā, New Zealand has developed into a more diverse place. Not only have Pākehā changed within themselves to include more non-British European migrants, but in recent decades, the percentage of Asian-descent New Zealanders within the community has also increased. Indeed, many New Zealanders now identify as multi-ethnic.
The third important population development is in the age composition of society. By international, developed world standards New Zealand is still a relatively young nation. But its median age today is higher than at any point in the nation’s history, and we know this process of population ageing will continue. This in itself will have policy implications in a number of areas, not least in public finances, health care and housing.
New Zealand’s population continues to change, but this is nothing new and this chapter shows how
The effectiveness of afterschool programs in improving fifth grade academic performance: a case study of two select metro Atlanta afterschool programs, 2014
No full textThe purpose of this qualitative case study was to research strategies of successful afterschool programs and their effectiveness in promoting student achievement and closing achievement gaps. Many afterschool programs have boasted of their ability to improve student achievement. Some students who participated in afterschool programs have shown an increase of improved academic performance. However, studies have indicated that students are still performing below grade level on national and state curriculum standards. Data have shown that fifth graders across the state ofGeorgiaare struggling in math, social studies, and science. Effective academic afterschool programs may have assisted struggling students in raising their Criterion Reference Competency Tests (CRCT) scores. Afterschool programs have the ability to help students socially, emotionally, culturally, behaviorally and academically. The variables addressed in the study are (a) program effectiveness, (b) student motivation, (c) parental involvement, (d) successful program structure, (e) student attendance, (f) student involvement/ socialization, (g) climate of the program, and (h) student expectations. Data were gathered using observations, face-to-face teacher interviews, document analysis, teacher questionnaires, and student questionnaires. The sample was 24 (18 students from school A and 6 students from school B) fifth grade students in two select afterschool programs whose CRCT data were compared to students in the same school but do they did not attend the afterschool program. The comparison group was 18 fifth grade students from school A and 15 fifth grade students from school B. The CRCT test data revealed how well students may perform on standardized tests even if they do not attend the afterschool program. Although CRCT test data were used to help determine the effectiveness of the afterschool program in improving academic achievement in fifth grade students, there may be other factors that contributed to student success. The fifth grade students were selected because they are mandated to takeGeorgias standardized CRCT. In mostGeorgiacounties, if students do not pass all parts of the CRCT, they will not be able to move on to the next grade level. The results revealed that students in the study enjoyed attending the afterschool programs. After review of the CRCT data, it was determined that most of the study participants and the non-study participants mostly met or exceeded in reading and math. School A had an adequate study group of 15 students. School B only had four students CRCT test scores. Two students in school B scored below grade level in math. The study also revealed that there may be other factors as to why students perform well on the CRCT. KEY TERMS: afterschool, academic performance, Georgia, program effectiveness, afterschool programs, Educational Methods, Elementary and Middle and Secondary Education Administration, Elementary Education and Teaching, Other Education, Other Teacher Education and Professional Developmen
The social determinants of health and the rural Hispanic community of west Texas
No full textOver the past 10 years there has been increasing interest concerning the social determinants of health, many researchers are starting to examine its influence and effects on health perceptions, health outcomes, and health disparities. Yet, limited information is known on how these social determinants of health affect diverse population groups in the U.S. who are at-risk for chronic illnesses.
The purpose of this pilot study was to provide foundational work for future studies on SDOH and diverse populations, by administering a survey that sought knowledge on how a group of rural Hispanics in west Texas discuss, access, and perceive information about health and being healthy in their communities.
Results from this study revealed, that although rural Hispanics in west Texas in this study are at risk for chronic illnesses, this population engages in conversations about health, they want to be healthy, and believe health is important, but lack the adequate resources that teach them about health. Furthermore, in this study the researcher discovered that women in this study play a pertinent role in the decision making of food choice and food consumption in their communities.
Future research interested in SDOH and health disparities in diverse populations should conduct further fuller studies by addressing at least 5 questions from each of the SDOH areas. In addition, more message effects questions should be asked that draw from communication-based theories such as framing and narrative.Embargo status: Restricted to TTU community only. To view, login with your eRaider (top right). Others may request the author grant access exception by clicking on the PDF link to the left
Contesting identities within cultural insecurity: the case of Muslim women in comtemporary France
No full textCultural Muslim women in Europe continue to feature prominently in public debates on immigration, assimilation and changing societies. France in particular has gained international attention for its public discourses and resulting legal measures that target Muslim women. The 2004 law prohibiting girls from wearing a hijab in public schools stands out as one example of how Muslim women are used to symbolize what is not acceptable in French society. Geographers have used various approaches to question how and why Muslim women are treated as an exception. In this dissertation, I build upon their work by developing the concept of cultural insecurity as a departure point to analyze how Muslim women are engaging with and contesting representations that characterize them as a threat to Frenchness. Cultural insecurity is first defined as the fear of losing unifying cultural traits due to the presence of another cultural group that is depicted as threatening due to its difference and perceived inability to adapt to other cultures. I argue that a large group of non-Muslim French public actors use discourses of cultural insecurity to generate discussions and debates on how the presence of Muslim women endangers French culture. Muslim women are the focus because of the highly visible nature of veiling practices, magnified by the nature of gender relations and feminism in France. These women are represented as submissive, provoking agents, radicalized and too religious for comfort. The production of cultural insecurity relies upon the circulation of narratives that represent Muslim women as having a single threatening identity, and this emphasis on threat results in mistreatment and discrimination of Muslim women. To understand how Muslim women engage with and contest these negative representations, I coded and analyzed data from two sites: the neighborhoods of the Parisian suburb Boulogne-Billancourt and the website Oumma.com. Through observations of the neighborhood landscapes, I found evidence not only of cultural insecurities through signs and symbols but also of a dialogue between defenders of Muslims and those participating in cultural insecurity discourses. Material, offline spaces allow Muslim women to produce counter narratives that are positive through performance art, casual interactions as well as social and civic engagement. Women reported experiencing discrimination and holding insecurities of their own which are byproducts of cultural insecurities felt by non-Muslim French. The analysis of the data collected on Oumma.com reveals that online spaces provide opportunities and support the engagement and contestation of circulating narratives in ways that would otherwise not be possible in material, offline spaces. Websites and social media allow Muslim women to cross geographical barriers, facilitating the forming of social bonds, connections and the sharing of information. This act of sharing is particularly important in the context of potential discrimination, verbal abuse and physical assault linked to Islamophobia. Women are able to not only support one another, but to also provide resources from relevant legal and social organizations to bring attention to how cultural insecurities are adversely affecting Muslim women. The results from the analysis of these two sites show that cultural insecurity is not only a useful lens through which geographers can analyze socio-economic phenomenon, but also the importance of conducting research in both material, offline and online spacesPh.D.Includes bibliographical referencesby Kathleen D. Woodhouse-Lederman
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